John 19:36
For these things were done, that the scripture should be fulfilled, A bone of him shall not be broken.
Original Language Analysis
ἐγένετο
were done
G1096
ἐγένετο
were done
Strong's:
G1096
Word #:
1 of 11
to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)
γὰρ
For
G1063
γὰρ
For
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
2 of 11
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
ἡ
G3588
ἡ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 11
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
γραφὴ
the scripture
G1124
γραφὴ
the scripture
Strong's:
G1124
Word #:
6 of 11
a document, i.e., holy writ (or its contents or a statement in it)
πληρωθῇ
should be fulfilled
G4137
πληρωθῇ
should be fulfilled
Strong's:
G4137
Word #:
7 of 11
to make replete, i.e., (literally) to cram (a net), level up (a hollow), or (figuratively) to furnish (or imbue, diffuse, influence), satisfy, execute
Cross References
Psalms 34:20He keepeth all his bones: not one of them is broken.Numbers 9:12They shall leave none of it unto the morning, nor break any bone of it: according to all the ordinances of the passover they shall keep it.Exodus 12:46In one house shall it be eaten; thou shalt not carry forth ought of the flesh abroad out of the house; neither shall ye break a bone thereof.Psalms 22:14I am poured out like water, and all my bones are out of joint: my heart is like wax; it is melted in the midst of my bowels.
Historical Context
Passover lambs were slaughtered on 14 Nisan (Exodus 12:6), eaten without broken bones. Jesus died as the Passover lambs were being sacrificed in the temple—the ultimate Lamb replacing all others. The coincidence of timing, prophecy, and fulfillment demonstrates divine orchestration spanning 1500 years from Moses to Christ.
Questions for Reflection
- How does typological fulfillment—Passover lamb to Christ—demonstrate the Bible's divine inspiration and unity?
- What does it mean that Jesus is our Passover Lamb—how does His sacrifice parallel and fulfill Exodus 12?
- How should Christians read Old Testament Law and ritual in light of Christ's fulfillment?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
For these things were done, that the scripture should be fulfilled, A bone of him shall not be broken (ἐγένετο γὰρ ταῦτα ἵνα ἡ γραφὴ πληρωθῇ· Ὀστοῦν οὐ συντριβήσεται αὐτοῦ, egeneto gar tauta hina hē graphē plērōthē· Ostoun ou syntribēsetai autou)—John identifies prophecy fulfillment. The phrase ἵνα ἡ γραφὴ πληρωθῇ (hina hē graphē plērōthē, 'that the Scripture might be fulfilled') indicates divine design, not coincidence. A bone of him shall not be broken (Ὀστοῦν οὐ συντριβήσεται, Ostoun ou syntribēsetai) quotes Exodus 12:46 and Psalm 34:20. The Passover lamb regulations required bones remain intact; David's psalm about God's protection found ultimate fulfillment in Christ.
This typological fulfillment demonstrates Scripture's unity and divine inspiration. The Passover lamb pointed forward to Christ (1 Corinthians 5:7); what seemed mere ritual detail revealed Messianic prophecy. Jesus is the true Passover Lamb whose sacrifice delivers from death's angel, whose blood marks God's people for salvation.